Amid a continuing teacher shortage, the Connecticut Education Association’s Aspiring Educator Program (CEA AEP) is doing its part to build a strong, prepared pipeline of future educators.
At the annual CEA AEP Apple Banquet, held at the TPC River Highlands in Cromwell on April 25, future educators were honored for their commitment to the program’s four core values: educator quality, community engagement, political action, and racial and social justice.
“The program’s continued growth in membership and engagement levels underscores CEA’s vital role in supporting students with the skills and experiences they need to transition from college to heading up their own classrooms,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “Despite the challenges associated with the profession, including unpaid student teaching, these remarkable students have dedicated themselves to becoming the next generation of excellent educators in our state.”
“The outstanding efforts of our Aspiring Educators reflect their deep commitment to the profession as well as their readiness to meet the demands of today’s classrooms,” said CEA Educational Issues Specialist Elizabeth Sked. “These students are entering the teaching profession with real-world experience, a strong sense of purpose, and a commitment to educational equity and excellence.”
The annual banquet honors graduating seniors preparing to step into teaching roles in the next school year, and it recognizes the strength and impact of AEP chapters statewide.
In addition to organizing and leading on-campus workshops and other professional development opportunities, students from CCSU, ECSU, SCSU, WCSU, UConn, Mitchell College, University of St. Joseph, and Quinnipiac University actively engage with their communities. Throughout the year, they serve as tutors and mentors in local schools, plan
and implement after-school activities and special events, build connections with local students through pen pal programs, and collect school supplies, canned foods, winter coats, and more for those in need.
AEP members also demonstrate leadership in shaping education policy, testifying before legislators on the need for paid student teaching and other initiatives to grow and support the profession.
2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Brian Betesh and National Education Association AE Chair Hanna St. Clair were keynote speakers at the 2026 Apple Banquet. Both praised Connecticut’s
future educators for choosing to enter this critical profession and for participating in a program that supports their goals.
“The core of this profession is not the content we teach, but the people we teach it to,” said Betesh. “Through my 19 years, I’ve learned that there is no better reward than watching who your students become – from nurses and plumbers to leaders and teachers. While this job may be challenging at times, we do it to better the lives of the students we teach and the communities we care about. I am incredibly proud of these students who will be joining us in this work and I’m excited to see the impact they have on their communities and the relationships they begin to build. Our schools, students, and communities are lucky to have you! To the new educators joining us: teach the person more than the student, be your genuine self, and be patient.”
“As the Aspiring Educators Chair for the National Education Association, I’ve been able to witness Aspiring Educator initiatives across the country,” said St. Clair. “Connecticut Aspiring Educators stand out for their strong connections across the state, dedicated leadership, and creative engagement strategies with members and allies. The Connecticut Education Association Aspiring Educators Program is strengthening the future of education for students across Connecticut and beyond.”
CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey had the honor of presenting the second annual Gloria Brown Aspiring Educator Scholarship to Alexandria Cloutier, a junior at Quinnipiac University.
“In accepting this award, Alexandria carries forward the values of exceptional leadership, unionism, and dedication to public education—embodying the same steadfast commitment shown by former union leader and retired member Gloria Brown, for whom this scholarship is named,” said DeLancey.
This year, CEA also launched a new awards series to honor exceptional members and chapter contributions. The Monumental Membership Award, which recognizes an Aspiring Educator chapter with the highest membership growth percentage, was awarded to the SCSU Future Educators Club. To celebrate their dedication to the teaching profession, the club will display the traveling plaque at SCSU until April 2027.
Other awards included Local Excellence Award to Quinnipiac Future Teachers Organization, Outstanding Local Leader presented to Lola Lombardi of Quinnipiac University, and four Outstanding Member Awards, given to Meghan Zingler, UConn; Kevin Connelly, Mitchell College; Owen Brannelly, Quinnipiac University, and Alexander Gregory, SCSU.
“Selecting this year’s recipients was challenging, as we were met with exceptional talent across the entire program. We congratulate our winners and celebrate the collective success of every Aspiring Educator in our program,” said Sked.
Dias stressed, “As the demand for qualified, passionate educators continues to grow, the Aspiring Educators Program stands as a critical investment in the future of public education, one that is already paying dividends in classrooms and communities across the state. We welcome with open arms these 15 graduates—future educators leaving the program equipped with the skills, advocacy experience, and professional networks necessary to succeed and to stay in the profession.”
